Lavaca County Republican Primary, Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4

Jan. 31, 2014 at 6 p.m.Updated Jan. 30, 2014 at 7:31 p.m.

Editor's Note: To help voters learn more about the candidates, the Advocate is printing profiles in contested races in the March 4 Democratic and Republican parties primaries. Saturday's profiles spotlight candidates for the Republican Party nomination for justice of the peace Precinct 4 in Lavaca County. The winner of this race will not have a Democratic Party opponent in the Nov. 4 general election.

Hallie Hall

• Age: 43

• City/county of residence: Yoakum/Lavaca County

• Current occupation: Certified court clerk for Lavaca County justice of the peace, Precinct 4

• Party affiliation: Republican

• Office seeking: Justice of the peace, Precinct 4, Lavaca County

• Email: hallielee@yahoo.com

Why do you want to serve in this position?

I have worked in this office for 10 years as the court clerk and thoroughly enjoy the work that I do. I began as a part-time clerk and because of increasing case levels, I became a full-time clerk. I believe that my experience in this office and the training I receive makes me a very qualified candidate for this position. I enjoy working with the public, law enforcement and my fellow Lavaca County employees. I know what this job entails and I am prepared to work hard to continue to run a very efficient office.

What qualifies you to serve in this office?

I have been employed with the JP office since November 2003. Although training for clerks is not mandatory, I have attended training with the Texas Justice Court Training Center every year of my employment. I also attend legislative updates every two years to keep up to date on new laws and changes made to the court system. I am a certified clerk through the training center with more than 180 hours of training specific to the justice court. My knowledge of the justice court has also allowed me to help train appointed and newly elected JPs in Lavaca County.

If elected, how will you go about effectively serving your constituents?

I will be available in my office on a full time basis. I will continue to be fair and honest and treat everyone with dignity and respect. I want them to feel they can come to the office to discuss any problems they have. If my office is not where they can resolve the problem, I will direct them to the proper authority to get it resolved. I want to keep an open-door policy. I am here to serve you.

Phone number, address, email address or website where people can contact you for more information:

• Address: 406 E. Morris St. Yoakum, TX 77995

• Phone: 361-293-2515

• E-mail: hallielee@yahoo.com

Tom Ray

• Age: 58

• City/county of residence: Yoakum/Lavaca County

• Occupation: Retired from Texas Department of Criminal Justice

• Political party: Republican

• Office Seeking: Justice of the peace, Lavaca County, Precinct 4

• tomrayforjustice@yahoo.com

Why do you want to serve in this position?

Based on my beliefs and conservative values, my desire is to give back to our community by applying my knowledge, experience and life lessons. My goal is to change negatives into positives by doing what is right and just.

What qualifies you to serve in this office?

My career has given me the tools to serve as justice of the peace. Those tools include experience in law enforcement, conflict resolution, asset management and mediation skills.

If elected, how will you go about effectively serving your constituents?

I will respect all parties entering this office and apply the law equally. I will perform my duties with honesty, impartiality and professionalism. Furthermore, I will attend and complete the justice of the peace courses offered by the Texas Justice Court Training Center and Texas State University. By furthering my education and broadening my experience, I will remain constantly updated on any changes in the law and procedures used in properly carrying out the duties of this office.

Phone number, address, email address or website where people can contact you for more information: